NEW CREO Review Process and Fees – Beginning May 1, 2024

Whether you are submitting your first application or your 10th to CREO, please read about the steps in our new review process. Beginning on May 1, 2024, every applicant needs to complete the screening form to receive an application number and the new application form, and we will NO LONGER BE ACCEPTING OUR OLD APPLICATION FORM.

Dear past and future CREO applicants,  

Thank you for working with us. We are pleased to be able to offer an ethical review of your important research. Over the past several months, CREO’s board members have been working hard to think through ways to simultaneously simplify the application process for you and increase our ability to provide timely and comprehensive reviews. As a result of this work, we are introducing a new review process, effective May 1, 2024. 

New applications 

1. Applicant completes screening form. All new applications must be initiated by completing the application screening form. The form asks basic questions about your proposed research. The questions will help us determine the potential level of risk associated with your project, as well as our ability to provide a review. 

2. CREO responds to screening form. We endeavor to respond to your screening form within 3 business days. After we have reviewed your completed screening form, we will: 

1. Email you with an application number and application form, OR 

2. Email you to let you know that we are unable to review your application

In most cases, we can provide a review. There are, however, some exceptions. We usually CANNOT provide a review when: 

• the research includes any biological materials (e.g., blood draws), AND/OR 
• the full project is being reviewed by, or has received approval from, the research ethics board of an academic institution, AND/OR 
• the research is not affiliated with a Canadian-based non-governmental organization, AND/OR 
• the research participants are outside of Canada. 

3. Applicant completes application form and supporting documentation. Once you are assigned an application number and receive an application form, you can complete the form and return it to us, along with your supporting documentation (e.g., letters of information and consent, recruitment materials). 

4. CREO provides initial review. We endeavor to provide you with an initial review of your project within 3 weeks of its receipt.  

Thank you,

The CREO Executive Team